John 4:1-14

January 30, 2008

This is the beginning of the well-known account of the interaction between Jesus and the woman at the well.  I trust others can relate with me that it is sometimes hard reading these very familiar stories, because it seems like we ‘know them’ already.  I must remind myself constantly that the goal of my reading is not to learn something new, but to worship Jesus Christ.  Of course there will be many days when we do learn something new, but we need not be discouraged when that does not happen.  It may be something very familiar that we find a fresh affection for as we read.

As I read the passage I took special note of verse 7,

Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”

How simple this is, and yet how marvelous!  The woman was shocked that Jesus would speak to her, for she was not only a woman, but a Samaritan woman.  This is absolutely scandalous!  The King of Israel condescends to make conversation with an evil Samaritan, and to ask her for a drink of water!  It really is stunning.

Of course Jesus did not say this because He needed a drink, but because He knew that she needed a drink, an eternally satisfying drink that would never fail her (v.14).  But He knew that she would never approach Him, had He not done so first.

So it is with every fallen child of Adam.  We do not seek God, but suppress the truth about Him in unrighteousness.  If left to ourselves, none would come to Jesus.  None would ask Him for a drink of living water.  But in His grace Jesus seeks out His enemies and converts them into worshipers.  As I read I was reminded of the line of the great hymn Come Thou Fount,

Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God. 

In the process of salvation, God is always initiating, opening the eyes of rebels to see the riches of His grace.

Grateful that Jesus sought me out,

Larry

Posted by Larry | Filed Under Gospel of John 

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